Abstract:

The SAPS member is daily confronted with stress. The SAPS, as organisation as
well as the public, put immense stress on the SAPS member in the execution of
his duties to combat crime and violence in South Africa. Coping with stress is
therefore important for the SAPS member to function properly.
Stress is the reaction of a person to harmful and unpleasant internal and external
stimuli, which can be characterised by a disturbance of the balance between the
individual and his environment.
Some factors leading to stress in the SAPS have been identified and discussed,
namely shift work, role conflict, work overload, working relations, career
development stressors, sexual harassment, traumatic incidents in the working
environment, criticism from the public and the ineffectiveness of the judicial
system. Stress results is amongst others workolism, burnout, alcoholism,
depression, suicide, physiological and mental disorders, broken families, low
productivity and disturbed spiritual and psychological life.
The SAPS member can, with the necessary support by the different support
services (psychological, social and spiritual services) in the SAPS, as well as
with the support of a pastoral counsellor, be taught to face and to cope with his
stress.
Pastoral counselling to the SAPS member affected by stress, is carried out by a
counsellor, a called servant of God, using Scripturally founded pastoral skills in
counselling. During the counselling process he pastoral counsellor creates a
pastoral relationship with the correct pastoral foundation; he is ready to listen;
uses ,the Word of God as the source of knowledge in the counselling process and
strives to bring about change by means of prayer. The aim is to lead the
counselee towards growth in belief in God in order to solve his problems through
faith.
Based on the Word of God and the relevant literature, five central pastoral
themes were used as foundation for practical theoretical guideline for possible
use in the counselling process to the SAPS member affected by stress. These
moments are the pastoral principle, the pastor, spirituality, a verbal model for
pastoral practice, use of the Scripture and prayer.